Apparatus for construction of safety mats

ABSTRACT

An array of resilient floor tiles is assembled into a continuous sheet after being laid down. An array of included, sacrificial resistive wires is buried along the edges of the tiles and is controllably heated in order to cause welding of the edges of tiles across the paths of the wires to neighbouring tiles. Subsequently the wires may be used to give the array integral tensile strength. The welded array is provided with greater strength for resisting use, expansive and contractile forces caused by environmental heat and cold and also long-term tile contraction owing to loss of plasticiser as may be seen with PVC-based tiles.

FIELD

This invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for assemblingthermoplastic or elastomer materials, and to construction of resilientplaygrounds or safety mats made of tiles. In particular the inventionrefers to means for assembling and co-adhering an array of laid-downtiles made of a poly vinyl chloride plastics composition.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to resilient playground or floor (safety) mats,as embodied in the applicants' products most of which are made up ofarrays of square tiles, 0.5 metre along an edge, made of a resilientmaterial such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cast in moulds includingperforations and surface detailing, so that the tiles have improved gripand resilience properties. Such PVC mats may include plasticisers,fillers, and colouring material and may include conductive material.Mats are intended to lie flat on a substrate and be attached by theiredges to neighbouring tiles. Interlocking complementary lugs and pocketsare of assistance. It has been found that more extreme environments suchas outdoors in North America have been causing unexpectedexpansion/contraction of playground mats as a result of temperaturechanges. In addition a loss of dimension over a period of years is knownto occur because of the gradual loss of the significant amount ofplasticiser incorporated with the plasticiser. (Typically, about 20% byweight of flexible PVC is a plasticiser such as dioctyl phthalate. Thissubstance can diffuse through the mass of the PVC). As a result, theglued joints become infiltrated with plasticiser. The inventors haverealised that glued joints can be expected to fail when the plasticisermigrates into the glue itself, over time, and causes weakening of thejoint. As a result, tiles lift off the substrate and/or separate fromeach other. Of course, the invention is in no way limited to use withthe applicant's tiles; the above problem has merely stimulated theresearch that resulted in this invention. Many other articlesconstructed from plastics are amenable to a welding treatment accordingto the invention, as will shortly be described.

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED

The problem to be solved could be stated as providing a permanent joinbetween parts made of a plastics material where glued joins have beenfound to be weak and of short life. The inventor's particular desire isto halt any tendency of tiles to lift off the substrate and/or toseparate from each other. One response would be to render the body ofthe tiles less prone to expansion or contraction, but as yet noeconomical solution having this effect has been found. Another solutionis to provide better adhesive procedures including use of melted andthen flowed-together plastics material; that is, welds. A furthersolution is to include tough fibrous material that traverses parts suchas an array of tiles, having sufficient tensile strength to hold thetiles in place despite the forces of contraction or expansion.

PRIOR ART

U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,790 (Sumitomo Wiring Systems) teaches a method forwaterproof lighting fixture assembly in which wiring is at firstcontinuously routed through one or more sockets and then after aheat-welding process using resistive heating of the wire that melts asealing material on to the wiring, the wires are cut at the sockets sothat the same wire can supply power to lamps inserted in the sockets.This is a dual use of the same wire; first in an assembly phase then ina normal-use phase.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,676,861 Van Der Werf et al suggests that “the wire” aswe later define it could be coated with various granules includingcoloured granules, for joining linoleum. The coated non-metallic cord ofthis invention does not include means for internal (resistive) heating.

There is a known technique in which a wire embedded in rubber windscreenmouldings of automobiles is heated in order to vulcanise the rubber. Thewire is left in place.

OBJECT

It is an object of this invention to provide arrays of safety floortiles or particularly play mats having a better capacity to stay united,or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

In a first broad aspect this invention provides means for constructionof an array of thermoplastic safety floor mats or play mats upon asubstrate or surface; wherein heating means capable of causing thethermoplastic material to soften at least in a localised area isemployed to cause the mats of the array to become linked or weldedtogether along their edges, so that use of a glue is avoided.

In a first related aspect this invention provides means for the joiningtogether by welding of an array of safety floor mats or play mats bytheir edges upon a substrate or surface; wherein heating meansconsisting of an electrically conductive elongated member having tensilestrength is placed along at least one edge of a first tile between anupper surface and a lower surface of the tile and adjacent a second tileto which the first tile is to be joined, the adjacent edges comprisingwhat is or will become a seam; the elongate member being capable ofbeing heated by the passage of electric current in order to causewelding together of the first tile and the second tile along the seam.

In a second related aspect this invention provides an electricallyconductive elongated member comprising a wire comprised of a metal or ametal alloy, having tensile strength and electrical conductivity.

Preferably the elongated member is composed of a stainless steel wire.

Alternatively the wire can be comprised of other conductors havingtensile strength, including “Nichrome” alloys.

More preferably the wire includes at least two stainless steel wirestrands twisted together, so that the combination produces a givenamount of heat at a higher current but lower voltage yet retains moreflexibility than a single thicker wire.

Optionally the wire is coated with compounds capable of enhancing thewelding process.

Optionally the wire is coated with materials capable of increasing theeffective diameter of the wire so that there is less tendency for thewire to pull or be pulled from its location.

Alternatively the wire is configured so that its surface includesprojections.

Optionally the wire may be laid in a pattern which traverses more thanone length of tile-tile weld, or intended weld, by returning to thesource along the same or a different folds back onto itself.

Optionally, the wire is provided with a number of short sleeves of aninsulating material so that perpendicular cross-over of wires does notcarry current. One material suitable for a sleeve is shrink-wrapinsulation.

In an alternative aspect the initial or a remedial welding process isprovided by an alternative heat source: the local application of heatalong the seam from a source of energy in contact with a surfaceoverlying the seam.

Preferably the source of energy comprises a source of heat within ametal block.

In a second broad aspect the wire, which remains in place, is used alsoas a tensile reinforcing member within the array of safety floor mats orplay mats by connecting each end of a length of wire to an anchoringmeans attached to the ground, each anchoring means being capable ofholding the wire under a controlled amount of tension.

Optionally at least some of the tiles are provided with longitudinaledge grooves for holding the wire along their edges, although ungroovedtiles are satisfactory.

Preferably enough wires are included in an installed array of tiles tosurround all edges of each tile of the array with a weld-capableretaining wire.

In a third broad aspect the invention provides apparatus for supplyingthe elongated conductive members with a welding current; the apparatuscomprising means for generating the delivered current and controllingthe delivered current.

Preferably the apparatus includes means for indicating the deliveredcurrent and for controlling the time of delivery and displaying thesubsequent recommended cooling time, and connecting means for joiningmore than one wire to the current supply apparatus.

In a fourth broad aspect the invention provides a method for providing amore secure array of resilient tiles for play and/or safety purposes,the method including the steps of:—

-   1. laying the array of tiles upon a prepared surface, optionally but    not often including an underlying adhesive;-   2. laying lengths of the wire across the array, within every    inter-tile groove;-   3. laying lengths of the wire along the array, within every    inter-tile groove;-   4. in both cases leaving sufficient protruding wire at both ends for    electrical connection to be made and for subsequent ties to be made;-   5. optionally adding weld-enhancing materials,-   6. applying an electric current from one end of each wire to the    other in order to cause resistive heating for the wire sufficient to    reach a welding temperature, and holding the temperature for an    effective duration, so that adjacent tiles become welded by their    edges to adjacent tiles,-   7. allowing the weld to cool, and then optionally . . .-   8. exteriorising the ends of each wire-   9. coupling each free end of the wire to a retainer attached to the    prepared surface or the adjacent ground and applying controlled    tension to the coupling.

In a fourth broad aspect the invention provides a group of means for thelocal application of heat along two adjoining edges, so that the edgesare raised to a welding temperature of between 130 and 190 degreesCelsius, and then brought firmly together so that the edges fuse andremain fused after cooling down.

Preferably the group of means for local application of heat includes hotair blowers, heated contact elements, ultrasonic energy, radio-frequencyheating (including microwave heating), and infra-red heating; alladapted for the application of heat to a localised strip along the edgesof adjoining items made of a poly vinyl chloride plastics material; andused either alone or in combination with other means.

Preferably the group of means for local application of heat are used inconjunction with head localising devices including air controllingbarriers, ultrasonic transducers of controlled shapes, radio frequencyelectrodes, microwave applicators, and infra-red reflectors anddirectors, so that the heat is restricted to a localised area to bewelded.

A preferred microwave frequency is in the range of either about 915 MHzor about 2.4 Ghz).

In a fifth broad aspect the invention provides for the use of aplastisol glue as defined else wherein this specification, eitherseparately or together with methods previously described in thissection; the plastisol glue being first placed in the area to becomewelded, and then heated to a temperature sufficient to cause the sol tomelt and become converted into a mass of poly vinyl chloride material.

Preferred heating means include the heating of embedded wires, hot airblowers, heated contact elements, ultrasonic energy, radio-frequencyheating (including microwave heating), and infra-red heating;

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The description of the invention to be provided herein is given purelyby way of example and is not to be taken in any way as limiting thescope or extent of the invention.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: is a diagram showing a section of a tile near one edge,including the wire ready for use in its first function of welding.

FIG. 2: is an illustration of a wire as used.

FIG. 3: is a plan view of one clamping device to force tile edgestogether while applying heat to the seam to be welded.

FIG. 4: is a diagram showing the layout of wire welding wires within amatrix of tiles.

FIG. 5: shows tying down of the wire after completion of welding, forthe second function of holding tiles against the ground under sometension.

FIG. 6: a perspective drawing showing an over-centre action type ofclip; a second device for forcing tiles together during welding by pegsthat enter holes.

FIG. 7: is a circuit diagram for a power supply suitable for providingpower to welding wires.

Example 1A

The welding and holding wire central to this Example is laid along theseams between an array of flexible PVC-based tiles as sold by theinventors under the trade mark “PLAY MATTA” when laid down for use upona substrate. The wire has two main purposes: (1) for welding use duringinstallation, when it provides the localised intense heat for a matwelding procedure, and (2) for use after installation when the tensileproperties of the wire are used to hold the array of tiles together, andalso down on to the underlying substrate despite forces tending to pullthe tiles away; including thermal expansion and contraction, contractionon volatilisation of plasticiser, and applied forces.

The applicant usually provides tiles either in single units (0.5 metressquare), or as one-metre pre-welded squares each holding four tiles(size information by way of example only).

FIG. 1 shows in section the abutting edges of two safety tiles 101, 102each of which are made of a thermoplastics material such as PVC(polyvinyl chloride) including about 20% dioctyl phthalate or equivalentas a plasticiser, with colorants, fillers, blends and other additives.(That is the plastics material assumed in this illustrative andnon-limiting example of the patent). Some kinds of tiles may alsoinclude complementary lugs and pockets along their apposed edges. Thetwo tiles of FIG. 1 have been welded together by heat generated byresistance to a flow of electricity passed through the wires 105, 104(preferably a twisted pair) causing melting and later resolidifying ofthe surrounding area 106. An option of a groove between the tiles,possibly useful for pre-locating the wires, can be dispensed with,especially if compression is applied across the joint during the weldingprocess so that the space occupied by the wire before heating is takenup by their melting into the bodies of the adjacent tiles. Usually, aninstaller will insert the wire into the space after the tiles have beenfirst placed on to the substrate, probably inserting it with the help ofa depth-determining tool like a miniaturised mole plough. It is usefulfor the wire to be laid straight, without kinks and at a reasonablyconstant height so that tension can subsequently be applied.

A desired welding process has a cycle length of 5 to 8 minutes at apower input in the range of about 100-150 watts per metre. The actualtemperature reached has not been measured, but is less than thedecomposition temperature for PVC and is probably 140-180 deg C. Thepower supply of Example 1E may be adjusted in order to provide thisamount and duration of heating power.

Example 1B The Wire

FIG. 2 shows detail of the wire used. The presently preferred wire is astainless steel wire, preferably a soft-temper 304 alloy stainlesssteel, supplied as a twisted pair (strands 201 and 202) of wires eachhaving a preferred thickness of about 18, 20 (about 0.88 mm diameter),or 22 gauge is preferred. (Other alloys such as 316 may be used assubstitutes, and less or more than two strands could be used.) A greaternumber of strands of wire is more flexible than a lesser number for agiven total cross-section. Single strand wire is an acceptableequivalent. Stainless steel (one of several alloys of mainly iron withchromium) has a relatively high electrical resistance compared tocopper. Resistance wire or “Nichrome” (a trade mark of Driver-HarrisCompany, Chicago) is another option (one of several alloys of nickelwith chromium) having about twice the specific resistance of stainlesssteel. Iron wire, or high-tensile galvanised (or otherwise zinc-coated)steel wire is not advised for use with PVC tiles because of the usualrelease of free hydrochloric acid from the plastics mass during heatingof PVC to the working temperatures expected. The acid then reacts withthe zinc coating and the underlying iron, which results in rust stainsupon the tiles and destroys the wire's mechanical properties. Somealloys of stainless steel may also be relatively vulnerable tohydrochloric acid. Steel may be suitable for use with other weldableresilient plastics and elastomers.

An option of providing a thick coating of relatively meltable granulesapplied to the wire or to the tile edge before the welding process hasbeen considered, but subsequent migration of plasticiser may weaken thismaterial a while after it has formed an adhesive, and it comprises anextra step in manufacture over simply welding with the bulk material ofthe tiles. Perhaps tile pressure could be realised within a confiningouter frame by weighting the slightly oversize tiles down. Clips are notessential.

Example 1C Clip Apparatus for Closing the Seam

Temporary clips or other devices to pull the seam shut during thewelding process and hold it shut in compression until the weld hascooled are desirable. One device is a pair of rows of lever-actuatedpushing rods that engage with existing holes through the tiles, as shownin FIG. 3. A frame having a central clear aperture about 600 mm (25inches) long is provided so that an iron (to be described later) canfreely access all of the seam between two tiles (101, 102) to be weldedwithout obstruction of the seam by clips.

The seam compressor shown in plan view (top view) in FIG. 3 is mountedon a rectangular steel base plate 300 having a rectangular aperture 300Athat is about 600 mm long. This example device makes use of the holes301 that are already included as an array over the surfaces of the tiles101, 102. The device includes a peg 302 at the end of each member 303which are first engaged in the holes in the tiles and then made totraverse towards each other across the seam 103 by forcing the pushingframe 304 to move across the surface of the plate 300 from right toleft, as shown in FIG. 3. The pushing frame includes a plurality ofinwardly directed pegs 305 (slope exaggerated) each of which pushesagainst a short vertical shaft 306 that is constrained to move onlylongitudinally by virtue of being engaged in slot 307. The pegs 302 areforced to move in an arc around pivot point 309 by being coupled to thatpivot point by rigid beam 308. 303 and 308 may be regarded as a leafhinge as seen from one end. All the pegs move in synchrony so thatmoving frame 304 to the left causes the seam 103 to be pushed shut. Whenshut it may be manipulated so that both sides lie at the same height, sothat a 0.5 metre long heated iron as described later in this section canmake contact with the entire length of the seam 103 between two tilesand compress and weld it. A series of seam compressors are placed alongthe full length of a seam to be welded—perhaps using 25 individual seamcompressors. Means to cause frame 304 to move, forcefully, to the leftmy be as shown at 310 (the eccentric cam), 312 (a short vertical shaftwhich turns within a hole directly beneath, in the plate 300, and 312, ahandle for turning the eccentric cam device; all shown from straightabove. Such means could comprise (a) an eccentric cam mechanism fixed tothe base place 300 (see later), (b) a “knee” type lever system, (c) arotating advance screw. In practice (d) a hydraulic or air-driven rammight provide the movement in a convenient and economic manner. Thisdevice assumes that the resilient tiles themselves provide sufficientgive (resilience) to take up minor differences in position. If that isinsufficient, beam 303 may be made of a springy steel that has asuitable amount of give for the expected force. This drawing illustratesthe principles of clamping devices but has not resolved the matter ofproviding a single long clear aperture along perhaps up to 30 metres ofseam. The device shown is more particularly suited to use of a hot“iron” rather than an internal heated wire.

If an iron is not likely to be used, a simpler version of clamps forholding the tiles close together along the seam may be made. See theperspective drawing of FIG. 6. These example clamps (602, shown loose ona surface, and 601, shown tightened in place) use an over-centre actionlever to hold the seam closed during welding between two steel pegs 606and 607 which are inserted into holes 301A and 301 in adjacent tiles 101and 102. (“Over-centre” as used herein means that the clip is held inplace by being tightened beyond a peak value of tightness and is thenheld at a mechanical stop; the resilience within the tiles maintainingthe clip in position). When the handle 605 is turned anticlockwisearound the peg 606 that is welded to the handle, the far end of thecurved steel rod 603 that comprises peg 607 is moved further from peg606 because the near end is pivotally mounted through the handle 606(emerging at 605 in the drawing). The rod 603 has been specificallydimensioned for use with the pattern of tiles used in 101 and 102. Ontightening, the horizontal curve of rod 603 at 604 reaches around theaxis of peg 606 and comes to a halt when the rod 603 contacts peg 606,just after having maximally compressed the tiles. The tile edges arecompressed together around wire 201 that has been placed within the seam103.

Example 1D Apparatus for Heating the Wire General

Apparatus for supplying the welding current is described here,Environmental conditions and working voltages and currents must beconsidered in relation to operator safety since potentially lethalamounts of current are used. A motor-driven generator may be preferred,being portable, inherently isolated from ground, and being a variablepower supply. Isolating transformers and return-current detectioncircuit breakers are of assistance if the utility power is used. About12 volts RMS per metre of seam, at a current within a range of about 5to 20 amperes (depending on the resistance per unit length of the wireused) is required to be supplied for a duration of 5 to 8 minutes. Aconstant-voltage power supply is preferred over a constant-current type,using the negative temperature dependence of resistance of a metal forsome auto-regulation. A mains-driven arc welder can be used if suitablycalibrated. DC power is acceptable except that it is more difficult tocontrol cheaply: because of factors such as switch derating andnon-availability of transformer or phase-controlled rectifier (Triac)controls for instance. The power supply may be required to produce from6 volts to, for a 20-285 metre span, over 240 volts (measured as RMSvoltage across the length buried between tiles) depending on the lengthof seam between tiles to be welded at any one time. A selectabletransformer tapping may be the most reliable way to achieve the variablevoltage although solid-state devices are preferred options and areamenable to automatic control. The operator would be required to selectthe closest tapping or power setting for the wire length and type inuse. The current should be delivered in a controlled manner over aperiod so that the result is melting and welding, rather thanoverheating and charring of the materials surrounding the wire (thewelding wire) if too much current is used. The operator would beinstructed never to overheat a seam—which would char it and requirereplacement of adjoining tiles. Underheating would fail to weld the tilematerial.

Ideally there would be a display device to show (a) the progress (timeelapsed) of the welding cycle, (b) that current is flowing properly, and(c) the status of delivered power. A temperature probe may be used.Signalling the end of a suitable cool-down period at the end of a weldis also important, in case under-skilled workers try to rush the processand pull the retaining clips out too soon.

Example 1E Circuit of Apparatus for Heating the Wire

This presently preferred circuit relies on an alternating-currentsource, such as a motor generator as would be used in the field (oralternatively use of a large isolating transformer) to ensure isolationof the power from the general ground, and hence safety. 230-250 volts isgenerally required to match power transfer to a desirable welding wirethickness, and length, rather than the perhaps more obvious 110 volts,for which wire thickness has to be increased significantly (henceraising cost and using a stiffer wire which is hard to handle).Continuously variable heating control is provided with little heatdissipation by phase control (using the circuit board (CB) and the phaseshifting componenents mounted on it) of a “Triac” solid-state device. Asnubberless type is preferred since it commutates better when driving aninductive load. A purely resistive load (R6) is also provided since thispower supply includes a step-down transformer for better control overshort lengths of wire. That second range of heating currents is madeusing the 6.6:1 step-down toroidal power transformer (TT), for use onshort lengths of welding wire. The controller is provided in a boxhaving a lid. Some parts are mounted under the lid; others on the base.Meter measurements of delivered voltage and current are provided, andtimer action is indicated by the two lamps. The circuit of FIG. 7,together with the accompanying list of components and this introductionshall be understood as a group by one of skill in power electronics.

The “Omron HC3A” timer ensures accurately repeatable yet variable-lengthapplications of heating current by time, and the control R1 is used toapply an amount of heat according to the amount of resistive wire in useat any time, so that the workman's job is simplified. In effect, thecircuit on the left represents means to energise the selected portionsof the circuit on the right for a controlled period by the mechanism ofrelay coil power (coils SRC, and either LRC or HRC are energised).Conventional “TRIAC” triggering circuitry is provided along with a 50 or60 Hz frequency selection switch.

PARTS LIST A Components Mounted on the Lid

-   P Input 230 Volts single phase AC; 50-60 Hz (such as from a motor    generator, effectively isolated from ground), or (with proper safety    considerations) across two phases of a 3-phase 117 volt supply).-   MS Main switch-   CB Circuit breaker (16 Amp C curve 10 kA)-   ES Emergency switch—dual contacts-   N Connection to a neutral bus (wiring between (N) is omitted for    clarity)-   L1 Green neon light, indicating “power on”-   L2 Amber flashing light indicating “heat is being applied”-   SS Start switch—normally open-   TS Test switch—normally closed-   HLS High/Low power switch-   SRC Signal relay coil-   LRC Low power relay coil-   HRC High power relay coil-   Timer (Omron, Japan # HC3A, or equivalent)

B: Components Mounted on Base

-   OS Output socket (×2); the welding wire is connected across these.-   R Resistance test point (×2); the welding wire resistance may be    tested across these.-   SR Signal relay contact-   A Ammeter (20 Amp O/S 40 moving iron AC)-   V Voltmeter (250 Volt AC moving coil)-   HR High power relay contacts (double pole)-   LR Low power relay contacts (double pole)-   FC Ferrite choke-   TT Toroidal transformer (6.6:1 step-down/500VA) for controlled low    voltage outputs.-   T Triac (25 Amp—snubberless. Example: BTA06-600BW (SGS-Thompson))-   R1 Control potentiometer (500K)-   R2 3K3-   R3 1M (50 Hz setting)-   R4 1M (60 Hz setting)-   R5 15K-   R6 1K5 (50 watt) This assists when driving inductive loads.-   FS Frequency changeover switch-   C 100 pFMylar (2 off)-   D Diac-   N One of a number of connections to a neutral (or one phase) bus.-   Notes: Two SR contacts for resistance testing are normally closed.    One SR contact feeding the circuit board is normally open. Black    dots represent stud terminals. “N” in a circle represents each of a    number of connections to a neutral bus.

Example 1F Other Heating Methods

A: A hand-held hot-air blower might be used for local additionalheating, such as for patching use after the main process has beencompleted. Since the air heats only the upper surface it would beusefully complemented by sub-surface wire heating.

B: The most straightforward of many alternative processes is thermalconduction from an internally heated metal block device (herein called“an iron”) which is a simple and effective method such as for patching aplayground surface by welding if a tile needs to be replaced. It alsoheats only the upper surface of adjoining tiles. The compressing clipsystem would be used at the same time. In some cases, access to thewelding wire may be inaccessible, or may not have been used. One mustremember that the workmen need simple, reliable and easy-to-understandequipment. This description of a prototype iron is given by way ofexample. A rectangular bar of copper or aluminium, 25 mm×25 mm×0.5metres (1 inch×1 inch×20 inches) is used. Copper is heavier and a betterthermal conductor than aluminium. The bar is drilled out axiallylengthwise in order to accommodate two resistive heater units each ratedat about 500 watts at the local mains voltage (117 or 240 volts), or asgenerated by a motor generator. In this case electrical isolationbetween the heating element and the metal block is reasonably likely andcan be checked by means of a residual current sensing device. Exampleheaters are 5 to 6 mm diameter. The bar is also milled lengthwise alongwhat will become the top surface in order to accommodate the metal bulbof a thermostat, placed so that it samples an average of the temperatureof the bar. (A thermocouple, read by a circuit within the power supplyunit, is preferred for production units. Fail-safe means include testingfor open circuited thermocouple wires and use of a backup thermocoupleto sense over-temperature conditions. The bar is covered with insulatingmaterial on all but the base. A sheet mica material (Hislop & Barley,Onehunga, New Zealand) is used and a glass-reinforced “Teflon”® sheetcovers the base through which sheet heat will be transferred to theunderlying plastic in order to cause a weld. The Teflon allows releaseafterwards. An electrical circuit for use with an “iron” includes thesefeatures:

-   1. switch means to change between series and parallel connection of    the two heaters for faster initial heating then holding a    temperature;-   2. thermostatic control of the maximum temperature (placed in series    between heaters and supply);-   3. Optional timer to set the duration of the heating phase of the    cycle (placed in series between heaters and supply);-   4. Fuse (placed in series between heaters and supply) and indicator    lights to show the current status of the iron.

Example 1G Wire Laying Patterns

FIG. 4 (with tiles shown shrunken apart for clarity) shows in plan viewan area of tiles in a playground having suitable layouts for laying thestainless steel wires in loops, in a first direction (201Y1, and(optionally) returned as 201Y2, or again in a second direction 201X1,(optionally) bent back at 201XU, and returned at 201X2 in order to weldan array of tiles together with welded seams along all sides of thetiles. It will be noted that a layout should provides wire along allperimeters of all tiles.

Total wire length will be limited by the amount of power that can beinserted. Relatively long straight lines may be welded at one time,using one or more low-resistance insulated connecting leads to close thecurrent path. Insulating sleeves such as heat-shrink sleeves may beslipped over the welding wires where they cross over other wires betweenthe tiles in order to avoid bypassed current effects and to avoid localheating arising from poor contacts.

Example 1H Tensioning

FIG. 5 shows how, once welding is completed, and the wires of FIG. 4have been cut apart and exteriorised the freed ends can be fastened toretainers which are secured to the substrate or to adjacent fixedpoints. Alternatively a wire stretcher could be used during welding aswell. Most playground installations place tiles 101, 102 etc on asubstrate that has a timber, concerete or similar surround 503. ThisExample shows small turnbuckles 501 that allow the tension to beprecisely set on individual strands, not so high that the material ofthe wire becomes stretched, and distorts the tiles, but high enough toprevent the tiles from creeping, rising above the contact with thesubstrate, or moving laterally. The turnbuckles are anchored into thetimber or other surround by a peg, screw, or the like 502 and can becovered for safety.

Example 2 Method

The preferred method for providing a more secure array of resilienttiles for play and/or safety purposes includes the steps of:—

-   A. laying the array of tiles upon a prepared surface within a timber    or concrete frame so that the surface is covered, as singles or as    pre-welded groups (such as in squares of 2×2 tiles);-   B. laying lengths of the wire across the array, within every    inter-tile groove, optionally using a depth setter/positioner; (a    total length to be welded at one time may be 25-30 metres long);-   C. similarly laying lengths of the wire along the array, within    every inter-tile groove, preferably using insulation sleeving where    perpendicular wires cross;-   D. and in both cases leaving sufficient protruding wire at both ends    for electrical connection to be made and for subsequent ties to be    made;-   E. preferably applying a row of relatively strong clips (such as    those of FIG. 3) across the joint or seam to be made so that a force    tending to compress the joint is applied to it during the actual    welding process and subsequent cooling,-   F. applying an electric current through each wire in order to cause    resistive heating for the wire sufficient to reach a welding    temperature, and holding the temperature for an effective duration.    (see previously) so that tiles become welded by their edges to    adjacent tiles,-   G. allowing the weld to cool before removing the clips.

The additional step of tying down the free ends of the wire to groundanchors (retainers) is not a necessary step, but if done is according tothe following extra steps:

-   A. exteriorising the ends of each wire and about 250 mm should be    available for each wire-   B. coupling each free end of the wire to a retainer (502) attached    to the prepared surface or the adjacent ground,-   C. and applying controlled tension to or with the coupling which may    be a turnbuckle (501 in FIG. 5).

If the wire is not to be used with anchors or retainers it may beclipped off flush with the edges of the tiles or inserted intocrimped-on covers in order to cover the sharp ends.

VARIATIONS

Although this description relates to working with resilient PVCplayground tiles that include plasticiser, a similar approach may beapplied to other structures made of similar plastics especially thosethat are unsuitable for gluing or RF heating. This may include flooringor roofing, for example.

The process may be used to vulcanise glued joints between rubber orpredominantly rubber (such as rubber with urethane mixtures) tiles, andcan also be used to weld synthetic rubber.

Some other plastics, blends and mixtures that may be used for tiles(apart from the PVC that forms the majority of examples consideredherein) include (as a non-limiting list): high-density polyethylene(HDPE), ethylene copolymers with vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane(PUR), rubber, and other elastomers, or blends thereof. There are manyfurther possible elastomers, for instance.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY AND ADVANTAGES

As mentioned previously in this specification, there have been problemswith resilient floor tiles and play tiles coming apart or coming offtheir substrate especially as a result of temperature excursions (20 degF. in winter to over 120 deg F. in the summer sun). The use of a weldingprocess provides superior tile—tile edge adherence because glue issusceptible to later becoming softened by diffusing plasticiser. Theinclusion of tension-bearing elements which can be secured to lateralsupports such as pegs in the ground assists in keeping the array oftiles flat and in place despite expansion and contraction.

Finally, it will be understood that the scope of this invention asdescribed and/or illustrated herein is not limited to the specifiedembodiments. Those of skill will appreciate that various modifications,additions, known equivalents, and substitutions are possible withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in thefollowing claims.

1. Apparatus for performing a method for joining together flexible,resilient tiles having complementary edge configurations, the methodcomprising steps of: positioning a plurality of the tiles in an arraywith complementary edges aligned; extending an elongate, electricallyconductive, sacrificial member with tensile strength greater than thematerial of the tiles, along and between the complementary edges;pressing the tiles together so that complementary pairs of edges areabutted together with the conductive member engaged between them; andheating the conductive member to melt the material of the tiles alongthe abutted complementary edges and thereby weld the edges together; theapparatus for performing the method comprising: a plurality of theflexible and resilient tiles having upper and lower surfaces and aplurality of edges such that opposed edges of said tiles can be alignedin order to provide substantially continuous conjoined upper and lowersurfaces; an elongate, flexible electrically conductive member of alength greater than an edge of the tiles, with tensile strength greaterthan the material of the tiles; and means to heat the conductive member.2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of flexibleand resilient tiles have complementary, configurations such that edgesof two said tiles can be aligned and adjoined to provide substantiallycontinuous conjoined upper and lower surfaces.
 3. Apparatus as claimedin claim 1, wherein the conductive member is comprised of stainlesssteel wire.
 4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the conductivemember is a wire comprised of two or more entwined strands.
 5. Apparatusas claimed in claim 1, wherein the means to heat the conductive membercomprises an electricity supply and control means, and connecting meansadapted to connect to the conductive member so as to pass avoltage-controlled and time-controlled electric current through themember, and includes means for indicating the delivered voltage andcurrent.
 6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the electricitysupply includes means for controlling the time of delivery anddisplaying a recommended cooling time.
 7. Apparatus as claimed in claim1, further including a clamp comprised of at least one pair oftile-engaging elements movably mounted with respect to each other on asupport structure, and a drive mechanism by which the pairedtile-engaging elements can be moved with respect to each other. 8.Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the drive mechanism includes alever adapted and arranged to move at least one said tile-engagingelement.
 9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the tiles haveapertures in at least one said surface, and the tile-engaging elementscomprise projections shaped and arranged to fit into and engage with theapertures.
 10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, further including aplurality of anchors each adapted to be fixed into a substrate and to beattached to an adjacent end of the conductive member.